Parliamentarians unpack the theme of the 11th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit

Following the opening of G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on Wednesday morning, officials used their second session of the day to unpack the summit’s theme, “Harnessing Parliamentary Diplomacy for the Realisation of Global Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”.

Heads of Delegations delivered opening statements on the theme, look at how, in an era marked by global fragmentation and rising inequalities, parliamentary diplomacy offers an avenue for G20 legislators to advance a more just, inclusive and sustainable world. 

The session highlighted how, with their mandate to represent the people, legislators have a critical role in shaping international cooperation, promoting fair global policies, and ensuring that international institutions uphold principles of justice, equality, and sustainability.

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza began the session by reiterating her opening remarks, but also expanded by saying that parliamentary diplomacy is more than “ceremonial protocol, but a strategic instrument for building consensus, harmonising legislative frameworks, and safeguarding democratic principles”.

“Through these mechanisms, we can forge robust, global responses to challenges that no single nation can address in isolation. Yet we must confront an uncomfortable truth: the multilateral system is weakening and is at its lowest.

“Geopolitical fragmentation has driven major powers to circumvent established global order and institutions. Increasing nationalist sentiments are eroding the foundational trust necessary for functional trade frameworks and international economic cooperation.”

President of the Australian Senate, Sue Lines, said climate change, conflict, and inequality do not respect borders, and neither should their solutions.

“Parliaments are uniquely positioned to connect people to global processes to ensure that international decisions are grounded in democratic legitimacy and inclusive representation, but solidarity cannot be achieved without inclusion, and inclusion cannot be achieved without representation.

“Let us be clear, inclusive representation in global institutions is not optional; it's foundational. When women, indigenous peoples, youth, and people with disabilities are excluded from decision-making, we all lose,” Lines said.

“We lose wisdom, we lose legitimacy, and we lose the opportunity to build policies that reflect the realities of all peoples. This is where parliamentary diplomacy becomes a transformative tool. It enables us to advocate for gender equality, not just at home, but on the global stage. 

“It allows us to push for reforms in international institutions, to demand gender-balanced delegations, and to ensure that global decisions are made by those who reflect the diversity of the world, and here I must emphasise, gender equality is not just a women's issue, it is a societal imperative. It is planned, it is measurable, and it benefits everyone,” Line said.

Chinese politician, Zheng Jianbang, who is currently a vice chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said that as the parliamentarians meet, “transformations not seen in a century are accelerating”. 

“Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are rising. Global development agenda is obstructed. Pursuit of peace, cooperation and development has become a shared aspiration of the international community. In this context, the theme of this year's summit is very relevant.

“As a major forum for international economic cooperation, the G20 should fulfil its duties and responsibilities; strengthen solidarity and cooperation, respond to the common challenges, and continue to serve as a force that boosts world economic growth and promotes the progress of history.”

Jianbang said China places great importance on the P20 platform and supports South Africa in hosting the 11th summit.

“We are ready to work with all countries to offer new momentum for global development.”

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za